The Workplace Equity Commission, convened by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has outlined more than 40 recommendations to improve employment opportunities and breakdown barriers for people in the workplace.

The commission has focused on supporting the 5.5m small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) across the UK, which need support to shift the dial on workplace equity.

The recommendations for business and government include:

  • Removing barriers to work and career progression for people of all ages
  • Flexible and supportive workplaces to help people stay and thrive in work
  • More training and support for employers and sharing of best practice to boost confidence and drive cultural change
  • A legislative framework that sets out clear expectations

The equity commission was established in September 2023. It brought together businesses, UK and international chamber representatives, and key stakeholders from across civil society.

The final report, published in partnership with Youth Futures Foundation, made recommendations for government and businesses. These will also be considered across the 52 accredited chambers in the UK.

The commission has recommended legislative changes, government support for SMEs, and proactive measures from employers to help create equal opportunities for all individuals in the workplace.

Research carried out for the commission in March 2024 by the polling agency Find Out Now revealed a quarter of surveyed employees (25 per cent) believed that not everyone in their workplace has the same access to opportunities. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of respondents also said they believed they’d unfairly missed out on a workplace opportunity in the past two years.

The report is the culmination of a year-long nationwide call for evidence and a series of roundtable events with businesses across the UK.

It says that in challenging economic times, “the need for businesses to attract, develop and retain the broadest range of talent is clear.” BCC research has revealed that less than half of SMEs have introduced specific policies or programmes for under-represented groups in the workplace.

The commission found that many SMEs are held back by a lack of information, resources, and the complexity of legislation. The report said it is time to “turn down the temperature of the debate” on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as many SMEs are deterred from adopting new working practices for fear of doing or saying the wrong thing.

The commission has called for better management training so that workplace leaders can create truly diverse workforces. It also recommended SMEs modernise recruitment processes so that talented individuals are not deterred or disadvantaged when applying for roles.

Sarah Howard, co-chair of the Equity Commission and chair of the British Chambers of Commerce, said, “Workplace equity makes good business sense. To unlock talent, we need to help firms create a level playing field for all individuals.

“This report is just the start of a conversation. Over the coming months, we’ll be taking the recommendations to our chamber colleagues and to the heart of government.”

The report concluded that the government has a “key role to play in creating a positive environment, articulating the ambition and setting out a legislative framework to drive change at pace.”

Gill Hunter, co-chair of the Equity Commission and partner of Square One Law, said, “Many SMEs are already implementing effective, low-cost initiatives that are shifting the dial on workplace equity.

“The government needs to create a supportive environment with clear legislation and guidance. Employers need more support and confidence to introduce impactful practices that help people achieve their full potential in work.”

Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation, said, “With the latest data showing that 872,000 young people are not earning or learning, we are not only letting down a generation, but also missing out on a huge talent pool. If they are given a chance, they could power up the UK’s prosperity and add £69bn to the economy if we matched the lowest NEET rate in the OECD.

“To address this challenge, we need a gear change from employers and government, with new ways of thinking about recruitment and retention to reach more diverse candidates, and a policy environment that supports and enables business.”

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